NFL Mock Draft Projects Patriots To Bolster Cornerback Corps In First Round

The New England Patriots have to fill a few holes on their roster and they will probably do so in the upcoming draft. Head coach Bill Belichick found himself a quarterback in the 2021 NFL Draft. Now he needs cornerbacks, linebackers, and receivers. There have been several theories about the Patriots’ next move and one of them links to talented cornerback prospect.

Mike Tannenbaum from ESPN created the latest 2022 NFL mock draft. According to him, the Patriots will go after Clemson cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. in the first round. Belichick has the 21^st overall and Booth makes perfect sense. He is incredibly versatile and Belichick likes versatile players.

“Just two years ago, the Patriots had J.C. Jackson and Stephon Gilmore in their cornerbacks room,” Tannenbaum wrote. “Now they are starting Malcolm Butler and Jalen Mills on the outside. Booth has great quickness, scheme flexibility and the ability to play all over. And why Booth over LSU’s Derek Stingley Jr.? Stingley has played only 10 games over the past two seasons, and his production over that time left a lot to be desired. That’s concerning, and I’m leaning toward Booth, because I know what I’m getting from him.”

Patriots may get great cornerback

Tannenbaum praised Booth’s quickness, scheme flexibility, and the willingness to do whatever he is asked to do. The cornerback provided great performance and has seen excellent improvement. This makes him a really good fit for the Patriots and their 2022 roster.

? MUST-SEE!!! ?

Andrew Booth with an unbelievable one-handed interception!

(Watch live on ACCN or here: https://t.co/lu6NuCdXJ2) pic.twitter.com/sTzU756SYj

— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) October 4, 2020

Booth saw action in 25 games with Clemson. He recorded 75 tackles, 10 pass breakups, five interceptions, one sack, and one fumble recovery.

The Patriots have great cornerbacks, but they can definitely use more. Stephon Gilmore is no longer part of the team and he is still available. Some NFL analysts believe that Belichick should give him another chance and yes, he should definitely give Gilmore the deal he wanted this whole time.

It’s a long offseason and the Patriots are all-in when it comes to getting great players. They don’t have too much money at the moment, but this won’t stop them from pulling out monster deals.